A few months back, I co-facilitated a webinar hosted by Common Good Vermont. The program was titled Vermont Nonprofits and Immigration Enforcement: How Your Organization Can Respond. The webinar included a panel of four nonprofit professionals – one based in Minnesota, the others here in Vermont – describing their strategies, challenges, … [Read more...]
Steal these lines! Board edition
A few months back, I shared some of my favorite one-liners, jokes, re-frames, and hot takes from the many workshops and meetings I’ve facilitated. That post was a shout-out and a gift to my fellow trainers, facilitators, and group leaders. Like I said then: Steal these lines! Here’s another round of insights, zingers, and stories … [Read more...]
Culture, compassion, efficiency, and the space in between
Last year, I was hired by a nonprofit that serves their neighbors in times of need. They’re good at what they do, beloved by their community – and they needed help with their strategic plan. During our conversations, I learned that the employees who handle intake at their facility – greeting clients and connecting them with services – … [Read more...]
The value of inclusive strategic planning
Note: This guest post is adapted from a new book, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, by Dr. Renee Rubin Ross. Thanks, Renee! When I’m asked why Inclusive Strategic Planning is valuable, I immediately go into the kitchen. Let me explain. SOS Meals on Wheels had a problem hiding in plain sight. Their industrial kitchen – the … [Read more...]
Three threats to nonprofits – and why advocacy matters
I belong to a grassroots nonprofit with an annual budget of $100,000 and one employee. When the Affordable Care Act tax credits recently ended, the organization sent an emergency fundraising appeal. The details were pretty gruesome. To cover one employee and their partner, monthly premiums had jumped – I am not making this up – from … [Read more...]
Who can I ask for a donation?
Note: This guest post is adapted from The Accidental Fundraiser: A Step -by-Step-Guide to Raising Money for Your Cause, Second Edition (2025) by Haley Bash and Stephanie Roth. Thanks Stephanie and Haley! A common belief among new fundraisers is that they don’t know anyone they can ask to support their cause. This is based on the … [Read more...]
If the nonprofit model is broken, who benefits?
Note: This guest post is from Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and board member of the National Council of Nonprofits. Thanks, Jennifer! Given what’s going on in Washington D.C., those of us working in charitable organizations have reason for concern. Recent and proposed policy changes and … [Read more...]
Reflections from the largest gathering of fundraising professionals
Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel! My colleague Bob Osborne and I recently returned from the Association of Fundraising Professionals International Conference (AFP ICON) – my fifth time attending. While some of these responses echo my experience at previous AFP conferences, I’m happy to … [Read more...]
Smarter fundraising with machine learning
Note: This guest post is from Chris Riddell of Thrive Technology. Thanks, Chris! In a time of deep uncertainty and instability, fundraising remains rooted in one constant: relationships. You’ve built strong connections with your supporters. The data from those relationships is one of your greatest assets. By tapping into it, you can … [Read more...]
Federal grants at risk? Three steps to improve your odds for foundation funding
Note: This guest post is from Shavonn Richardson of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. Thanks, Shavonn! The slowdown of federal grants is real. Many organizations are starting to steer clear of federal grants due to the whiplash of executive orders and the fear these orders are inflicting on those who support the poor, the marginalized, the … [Read more...]
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